Aadudam Andhra: Over 1.2 Crore Participants So Far; YSRCP Govt Celebrates Historic Feat

'Aadudam Andhra,' the biggest ever sports extravaganza organised by the Andhra Pradesh Government under the visionary leadership of CM Jagan Mohan Reddy entered its last leg today. The programme that started on Dec 26, 2023, from Mandal, AC, and District level competitions across 5 sports - Cricket, Badminton, volleyball, Kho-Khi, and Kabaddi, will, from today, host state-level matches. 

Wishing luck to the finalists who have made it to the state-level competition, Sports Minister RK Roja said, ‘In the last 1.5 months, the response to our campaign has been nothing short of historic. From every nook and corner of the state, young individuals showcased their talent in sports. The response has been overwhelming, with 1.2 crore people of Andhra Pradesh engaging directly in the program. 

Highlighting women's participation in the tournament, the Minister stated, ‘What really has stood out in the campaign is the phenomenal women participation we have seen. It brings me great joy to mention that 130 women's teams are about to participate in the finals and their most preferred sport has been Kho-Kho and Kabaddi. If this isn't a testament to empowering women, encouraging them to take up sports nationally and internationally, then what is?’

"As anticipated, our youth made the most of this golden opportunity provided by CM Jagan and has made it into the finals," she further added. 

Later, Minister Roja urged the players to perform their best as prominent franchises including Chennai Super Kings, Prime Volleyball, Pro-Kabaddi, and Hyderabad Black Hawks were on the lookout to scout talent who they would sponsor and train professionally. She also mentioned how Badminton academies too like that of Pullela Gopichand and PV Sindhu too have been roped in by the Government to train talent that has emerged from the grassroots thanks to this tournament.

With 2964 players from all 26 districts and 260 teams prepared to compete in the finals, the matches are slated to occur from the 9th to the 13th of this month. Chief Minister Jagan Reddy is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony on the 13th, where prizes worth over Rs 12 crore will be awarded to the victorious players/teams. 

When asked about the TDP-JSP alliance, Minister Roja gave a fierce response. She said, ‘The people of Andhra Pradesh are ready for the final match and will kick out the unholy alliance of TDP-JSP forever.’ She added, ‘In the upcoming elections, Chandrababu & Co will be chased back to Hyderabad. Mark my words!’

Highlights of AA tournament

Total Players - 25.4 lakh
Male - 17.5 lakh
Female - 7.8 lakh 

Districts With Most Participants
1. Kadapa 
2. ⁠Kurnool 
3. ⁠Prakasam

Most Preferred Sport (Male) - Cricket 

Most Preferred Sport (Female) - Kho Kho & Kabaddi 

Age Group With Max Participants 
18-25 Category - 12.4 lakh

Andhra Pradesh is gearing up to for the final match, ppl will definitely kick out TDP-JSP forever: @RojaSelvamaniRK

At the launch of the #AadudamAndhra state level competition in Visakhapatnam today, Sports Minister RK #Roja launched a scathing attack at the TDP-JSP combine.… pic.twitter.com/rDl36crMyS

— Sakshi Post (@SakshiPost) February 9, 2024